Panto Time!

Glenn announced great December results for us this morning. Everyone happy. But all overshadowed by this week's big event.

Just before I get my false eyelashes and wig, must jot a few words. The effort going into this Panto production – which will never be seen outside Laithwaites itself – is amazing. Reading Town Hall has never seen such a production. They've been over from the Hexagon theatre to gawp our gorgeous set apparently.

Anna (ex-Wine Advisor, now part of the events team) had this idea: 'Vinderella.' And she is a VERY persuasive girl. So the Managing Directors, I, Gary and other fools said yes.

Anna wrote it and set about directing the motley bunch, some of whom are tone deaf and cannot dance. Shelly and she have made all the costumes and my dress is a wonder!

Anna laughs a lot and dances about but she can be quite steely. We turn up when she says and go through it again and again and again.

All in secret. After hours in a secret room in the warehouse. Nobody knew anything about it until posters appeared just before Xmas with me in a frock. 'See Tony as the Fairy Godmother'. Anna said that would pull them in. But they still don't know who else is in it.

Lots of in-jokes, wine jokes eg. Ugly Sisters Botrytis and Phylloxera. And crudery. All the usual panto elements. Oh Yes There Are!

The fear is beginning to grip. But if I drink any more I'll never manage those stairs in my Big Frock. Would be a hilarious Entrance … but then Exit Stage Left to A & E.

Time to get dressed. Break a Leg. Do many distinguished old wine merchants do this sort of thing.

'You SHALL go to the Ball.'